Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others have been indicted by police for allegedly attempting a coup to retain power after his defeat in the 2022 election. Bolsonaro, already barred from running in 2026 for a separate case, could now face imprisonment and a further decline in influence.
The sealed findings of the indictment have been sent to Brazil's Supreme Court for review by Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who will decide whether to formally charge Bolsonaro and proceed with a trial. Pressure is mounting on Gonet to advance the investigations related to the ex-president.
Political analysts suggest that if Bolsonaro stands trial, there will be a scramble among his allies and rivals to capture his voter base, as evidenced by recent electoral losses by his candidates.
Bolsonaro has denied all allegations of attempting to cling to power after losing to leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2022. The former president faces multiple legal threats, including accusations of smuggling, falsifying COVID-19 vaccination statuses, and undermining the country's voting system.
Despite the indictment, Bolsonaro remains determined to run for office in 2026, with some speculating that recent events may actually bolster his support base. However, legal experts believe there is sufficient evidence for the prosecutor-general to press charges against him.
Efforts by Bolsonaro's allies in Congress to pass a bill pardoning individuals involved in a failed coup attempt in 2023, including potential provisions for the former president, face political challenges amid ongoing investigations and public scrutiny.
Recent arrests of military personnel and a Federal Police officer for allegedly plotting to assassinate Lula and a Supreme Court Justice, as well as a bomb attack in Brasilia, underscore the volatile political climate in Brazil.
